This modern hotel with sleek decor has a convenient location within walking distance of La Rambla and the port, with the Parallel metro station literally right outside the door. There is a rooftop pool and solarium, though the surroundings aren’t quite so posh. While it offers a decent value for its location, some guests think it lacks the luxuries of a true four-pearl property. The nearby neighborhood is considered up and coming and might not suit all guests.

This massive, modern hotel with 338 rooms right by the Plaça d'Espanya is convenient for businesspeople (with easy access to the nearby exhibition center) and tourists who don’t mind taking the metro to the city’s main attractions. Rooms are bright and stylish with flat-screen TVs and big bathrooms. It’s a decent value for the amenities, though if you don’t need a pool and want to stay in the same area, it’s worth comparing rates with the nearby Hotel Vilamari.

The Tryp Barcelona Apolo is an upper-middle-range hotel with a somewhat generic look. It offers 265 rooms that offer contemporary, chain-like decor, though some show signs of wear and tear. Located in the Theater District, it’s a 10-minute walk to the busy, tree-lined Las Ramblas. Convenient for business travelers, the hotel has meeting rooms and a tiny business center and is a short drive away from the Fira Barcelona convention center. It offers a breakfast buffet, restaurant, and a bar/cafe, but not much else in the way of features. Also, some guests have complained of smoke odors and noise issues. It may also be worth considering the similarly priced Park Hotel Barcelona, though it lacks an on-site restaurant.

Situated near the Magic Fountain in Barcelona's Monjuic neighborhood, the Crowne Plaza Barcelona- Fira Center Hotel is a sleek, modern 276-room business hotel. The lovely El Mall restaurant offers Mediterranean cuisine in a cozy, brick-walled dining room. Rooms are spacious, with big bathrooms and plenty of space to accommodate sofas, desks, and other furnishings. Decor is minimal but modern and consistent across the rooms. The hotel is well-suited for business travelers, given its ample conference facilities and easy access to the fair grounds. The hotel also finished renovations of the fitness center and spa in October 2014.

Housed in a former theater, the Hotel Acta Mimic is a boutique with a youthful, modern vibe. Quirky furnishings in vibrant hues brighten up communal spaces, but small guest rooms seem more stark than cozy. They offer few furnishings and the only natural light available comes from the bathrooms, which are separated from the bedrooms by curtains instead of doors. A funky outdoor dining area and lovely rooftop terrace (albeit unfinished) are pluses, as is the hotel's close proximity to the bustling Las Ramblas pedestrian mall. Certain streets in the immediate vicinity are a bit seedy, however, so guests should ask staff for the best routes before setting out on foot.

Hesperia Del Port is a value hotel near Barcelona's port that tries for a modern vibe. The minimalist decor is no-frills, especially in the rooms, where unadorned walls, plain furnishings, and neutral tones look Spartan. The bathrooms are a bit nicer, with modern fixtures and marble tiles. Affordability is the real draw, however: The property is a solid value pick, within walking distance of the popular Las Ramblas thoroughfare.